The Digital Trap With Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes

The Digital Trap is the podcast every parent needs in today’s hyper-connected world. Each week, host Jack Hughes pulls back the curtain on the hidden dangers kids face online — from social media addictions and dopamine-driven apps to predators lurking behind “harmless” platforms.Through conversations with experts, scientists, and even families who’ve lived through online nightmares, this show reveals how kids outsmart parental controls and what you can do to stay one step ahead.  hosted by Jack Hughes—a passionate advocate for online child safety. Growing up, Jack discovered all the workarounds to parental controls firsthand. His own experiences with online exposure and outsmarting parental restrictions taught him a valuable lesson, one he now channels into helping parents protect their children in today’s tech-filled world. On this podcast, Jack shares practical, secure ways to set up parental controls, offers ongoing support, and provides crucial education for parents who want to ensure their kids stay safe online. Through each episode, gain peace of mind and discover practical methods to navigate the internet’s challenges, equipped with Jack’s insights and proven techniques. For any parent concerned about screen addiction, online predators, or simply wanting to create a safer digital environment, this is the podcast for you.

  1. 10H AGO

    My Experience With CBS + What I Learned About Instagram

    Book a call with me personally to protect your kid online: parenttech.support Welcome to The Digital Trap — the show where I help parents understand tech, set up parental controls, and protect kids online. In this solo episode, I’m sharing my experience being interviewed by CBS — what the process was like, what they wanted to know, and why the story mattered. We also talk about what happened when Instagram’s algorithm flooded feeds with violent/graphic content, and why this kind of content can keep getting recommended once someone watches even a little of it. In this episode: What it was like getting contacted and interviewed by CBS The Instagram violence “flood” and why it’s bigger than one day How engagement-based algorithms can amplify extreme content What parents can do right now to reduce risk and protect kids online LINKS My website: https://parenttech.support/ CBS interview: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/hundreds-of-instagram-accounts-push-violent-content-to-millions-cbs-news-investigation-finds/ CBS Full Story: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/instagram-violence/ My book: https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Guide-Protecting-Kids-Online/dp/B0F224Z9S9 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this with a parent who needs it. #OnlineSafety #ParentalControls #Parenting #Instagram #DigitalWellbeing #TheDigitalTrap

    12 min

  2. 07/30/2025

    New Tech, New Dangers: Are You Ready for What’s Coming?

    Sign up for a free 15-minute call with me: 👉 https://parenttech.support/work-with-jack/ AI isn’t just for tech nerds anymore. It’s in your child’s school, their favorite apps, and even in their toys. In this episode of the Parent Tech Support Show, I break down exactly how artificial intelligence is shaping your child’s life—and not always in good ways. We’ll cover: 🧠 How kids use AI to cheat on schoolwork 🎭 The danger of deepfake bullying and sextortion 📞 New scams using AI voice clones 🎮 Smart toys that spy on your child 💔 Why some teens are dating AI girlfriends instead of real people 🎯 What You Can Do: • Set clear AI rules in your home • Block risky apps like Character AI and Replika • Use tools like Screen Time and CleanBrowsing • Keep smart devices out of bedrooms • Book a free call with me for help: https://parenttech.support/work-with-jack/ Other videos mentioned Data privacy video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQZ-WMBNDOo Deep fake video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj3ThIxWX-0 👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help more families stay safe in an AI-powered world 00:00 Introduction: The Rise of AI in Education 02:14 Understanding AI's Role in Your Child's Life 07:55 The Deep Fake Dilemma 11:23 AI Voice Clones: A New Scam 14:26 Future Dangers: AI-Powered Toys and Privacy Risks 18:14 AI Relationships: The Emotional Impact on Kids 22:23 Practical Tips for Parents 23:54 Conclusion: Staying Ahead of the Curve

    25 min

  3. 07/16/2025

    Why Your Family Needs a Device Detox (ASAP!)

    📵 Your Child Might Need a Device Detox 📵 Sign up for a free 15-minute call with me: https://parenttech.support In this episode, I break down one of the most powerful tools for protecting your child's mental health and reclaiming family connection: a device detox. You’ll learn: Why screen time is linked to anxiety, sleep problems, and ADHD. How social media hijacks your child’s brain chemistry. The step-by-step plan for doing a detox — even if your child resists. A real-life success story of a family who unplugged for 48 hours and saw real change. How to use Apple Screen Time to help enforce detox limits. 🎯 What You Can Do: • Plan a weekend detox with simple offline activities. • Set Screen Time limits to block distractions. • Book a call with me for custom help setting it all up. 🔗 Get help: https://parenttech.support/work-with-jack/ Screen time video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVqvqZ8VQNM Let’s reset your child’s relationship with tech — and yours too.

    15 min

  4. 07/09/2025

    How Companies Are STEALING Your Child’s Data (And Selling It!)

    Sign up for a free 15-minute call with me at: 👉 https://parenttech.support/work-with-jack/ Ever wonder why your child sees the same ad over and over again? Or why apps seem to know everything about them? In this episode, I reveal the truth: your child’s data is being stolen, tracked, and sold—sometimes over 450 times per day. Here’s what we’ll cover: • Why companies obsess over collecting kids’ data • The invisible tracking tools buried in apps, websites, and even school tools • The emotional manipulation behind targeted ads • The real risks of leaks, hacks, and creepy micro-profiles • Step-by-step ways to block data tracking on iPhones and online accounts • How to lock down devices and get expert help from me directly

    21 min

  5. 07/02/2025

    Online Predators Are Using AI Deep Fakes To HARM CHILDREN!!

    Get help from me: https://parenttech.support From deepfake blackmail to AI girlfriends manipulating teen boys—this episode breaks down the terrifying world of AI and how it’s targeting our children. Here’s what we’ll cover: • How deepfakes are used to scam, humiliate, and extort kids • The rise of AI “girlfriend” apps and emotional manipulation • Child predators creating explicit fake videos using AI • Voice cloning scams targeting parents and grandparents • How your child’s data is being harvested and sold • Tools to block AI content, deepfake sites, and voice cloning apps 🎯 What You Can Do: • Set up Screen Time filters to block AI apps and websites • Use DNS tools like CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS at the Wi-Fi level • Talk with your child’s school about blocking AI tools on their network • Book a free 15-minute call with me for personal help: 👉 https://parenttech.support/work-with-jack/ 💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! We need to fight back against the AI threats targeting our kids. 00:00 The Terrifying Reality of AI and Deepfakes 00:28 Introduction to the Parent Tech Support Show 01:29 Understanding Deepfakes: Types and Examples 04:31 The Emotional Manipulation of AI Girlfriends 07:07 The Dark Side: AI and Child Exploitation 08:34 Sextortion: A Growing Threat 13:10 Protecting Your Child from AI Dangers 14:24 Router and School Level Countermeasures 16:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

    18 min

  6. 06/25/2025

    Blue Light Is Ruining Your Child’s Brain—Here’s What to Do

    Get on a free 15-minute call with me: https://parenttech.support In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked threats to your child’s health—blue light. From sleep disruption to mental health problems, blue light from screens can wreak havoc on your child’s body and mind. Here’s what I cover: 🧠 The science behind how blue light affects sleep, hormones, and brain development 😴 Why screen use before bed is so damaging for kids 🕶️ The simple fix: Blue light glasses and device settings 💡 How to use Screen Time and router filters to create a healthier nighttime routine 🎯 What You Can Do: • Set device curfews or use warm-light filters • Use blue light glasses in the evening • Book a free 15-minute call with me at https://parenttech.support and I’ll help you set it all up 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode! Let’s protect our kids from hidden digital threats. 00:00 Introduction to Blue Light Concerns 01:25 Understanding Blue Light 02:42 Effects of Blue Light on Sleep and Health 05:43 Practical Tips to Mitigate Blue Light Exposure 07:38 Advanced Tools and Techniques 10:47 Bonus Tips and Conclusion

    13 min

  7. 06/18/2025

    How to Block Porn & Social Media at the Source—Your Router

    🚨 Your Home WiFi Is the Weakest Link 🚨 Windows command:  ipconfig Mac  command: netstat -nr | grep default Book a free 15-minute call: https://parenttech.support/work-with-jack/ In this episode, I reveal why the router is the ultimate parental-control hub and how to turn it into a fortress that filters every phone, tablet, game console—even sneaky burner devices. Here’s what you’ll learn: • Quick test: does your current router even have parental controls?  • Step-by-step: find your router’s IP address and log in (Mac & Windows commands included).  • Built-in filters vs. advanced options like CleanBrowsing and Open DNS. • Whitelist vs. blacklist—why most parents pick the wrong one. • Blocking burner phones, school iPads, and guest devices in one shot. 🎯 Take Action  • Follow the guide to lock down WiFi today.  • Need help? Grab that free call above and I’ll walk you through it. 💡 Like, subscribe, and share—let’s keep every household safer online! 00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Dangers of Unsecured Wifi 01:24 Why Your Wifi Router is a Powerful Parental Control Tool 04:48 Accessing Your Router Settings 10:06 Setting Up DNS Filtering for Enhanced Security 13:59 Conclusion: Additional Tips and Support

    15 min

  8. 05/28/2025

    This Tag Cut My Screen Time in HALF, Jorn Rigter, CEO of Unpluq

    Check out Unpluq: unpluq.com Work with me: parenttech.support Email me: jackh@parenttech.support In this episode, I talk with Jordan Rigter, the founder of Unpluq—a simple but genius tool that helps you cut screen time with a physical barrier. We talk about how he came up with the idea, the theory behind it, and how it’s now being used by families to help kids develop healthier digital habits. Here’s what we cover: • How a physical tag can drastically reduce screen time • Why willpower isn’t enough—and what does work • The power of friction: making digital habits intentional • How Unpluq Family gives parents control without constant fighting • Stories of parents using this as “training wheels” for tech 🎯 What You’ll Learn: • How to use tech to fight tech addiction • Real-life hacks to get your kids off screens • Why a tag on your keychain might be the smartest parenting tool yet 💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! Together, we can raise tech-wise kids.

    18 min
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About

The Digital Trap is the podcast every parent needs in today’s hyper-connected world. Each week, host Jack Hughes pulls back the curtain on the hidden dangers kids face online — from social media addictions and dopamine-driven apps to predators lurking behind “harmless” platforms.Through conversations with experts, scientists, and even families who’ve lived through online nightmares, this show reveals how kids outsmart parental controls and what you can do to stay one step ahead.  hosted by Jack Hughes—a passionate advocate for online child safety. Growing up, Jack discovered all the workarounds to parental controls firsthand. His own experiences with online exposure and outsmarting parental restrictions taught him a valuable lesson, one he now channels into helping parents protect their children in today’s tech-filled world. On this podcast, Jack shares practical, secure ways to set up parental controls, offers ongoing support, and provides crucial education for parents who want to ensure their kids stay safe online. Through each episode, gain peace of mind and discover practical methods to navigate the internet’s challenges, equipped with Jack’s insights and proven techniques. For any parent concerned about screen addiction, online predators, or simply wanting to create a safer digital environment, this is the podcast for you.

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